Alumni Ag Online
Keep up to date on College of Agriculture happenings between issues of the Ag Alumni Forum with Alumni Ag Online, an emailed newsletter that contains news tailored to alumni.
Every month you can get news of most interest to alumni delivered electronically. It is free and available to any College of Agriculture graduate, even if you are not a member of the Ag Alumni Society.
The newsletter is a special version of Ag Online, the College's newsletter for faculty and staff, with items singled out for alumni.
Read the latest issue and subscribe by emailing Ed Adcock.
The College of Agriculture Newsletter for Alumni
Iowa State University
November 2006
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ALUMNI NEWS
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ALUMNI CHALLENGED TO FILL IOWA BLOOD CENTER
The Iowa State University Alumni Association has challenged the alumni associations of Iowa, UNI and Drake to help support the Blood Center of Iowa in saving lives this fall. Alumni and friends from these four schools are asked to make a blood donation at any one of The Blood Center of Iowa's seven donor centers or at any Blood Center of Iowa mobile blood drive during the months of November and December. Upon donating, alumni and friends will have the opportunity to fill out a card and indicate which school should receive credit for the donation. The school with the highest percentage of blood donor registrations (based on the number of alums in the area) at the end of December will receive a plaque from The Blood Center of Iowa. Alumni can learn more about this special promotion by visiting: http://www.isualum.org/blooddrive.
ALUM TO HEAD CATTLEMEN'S GROUP
Bruce Berven became the new Iowa Cattlemen's Association executive vice president on Nov. 7. He also will be executive vice president of the Iowa Cattlemen's Foundation, Inc. Berven is returning to the top job at ICA, having held the position from 1978 to 1984 and after serving for eight years as an Iowa State county extension director and area livestock specialist. He earned a bachelor's and master's degrees in animal science in 1970 and 1973 from ISU.
SPENCER AWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE TO FARM FAMILY
A Shelby County family has been honored with one of the state's largest awards in sustainable agriculture. Ron and Maria Vakulskas Rosmann, along with their sons David, Daniel and Mark, will receive the 2006 Spencer Award for Sustainable Agriculture during the Iowa Organic Conference Nov. 20 in Ames. Daniel earned a bachelor's degree in agronomy in 2005 from ISU, and has joined the family operation. David earned a bachelor's degree in public service administration in agriculture from ISU, and is a rural organizer for Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. Mark is a junior in agronomy and history at ISU. Learn more: http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/newsreleases/2006/spencer_110306.htm
BLOCK AND BRIDLE CLUB STARTS ALUMNI GROUP
The Iowa State Block & Bridle Club has created its own alumni group. It plans to hold its first annual club reunion on April 21, 2007, during Veishea, which will also be the kick-off for the 150th Anniversary for the University and College of Agriculture. Adam Dickinson, the club's Alumni Association Chairman, also said plans to send regular newsletters. If you are a former club member you may call (515) 294-1865 or e-mail bbalumni@iastate.edu to get involved.
ALUM PASSES BAR EXAM
Alumnus Chad Johnson, who works for the law firm Suiter Swantz, PC LLO, in Omaha, recently passed the bar exam. He specializes in intellectual property law at the firm that represents companies in the agriculture and food industry. He earned a bachelor's in agronomy in 2000 and a master's in agronomy/crop physiology in 2004 from Iowa State and a law degree from Drake Law School in 2006.
ALUM TO HEAD MENNONITE MUTUAL AID
Larry Miller, will become president and CEO of MMA (Mennonite Mutual Aid) of Goshen, Ind., in January 2007. Miller is president and CEO of Mennonite Financial Federal Credit Union in Lancaster, Pa. He has 35 years of experience in the retail banking and financial services industry, serving as CEO of Mennonite Financial for the past 16 years. He earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural education and studies/farm operations in 1971 from Iowa State.
ALUM'S OPERATION WINS GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD
Duane and Pat Sprouse's farm in rural Keota was chosen for September's Iowa Good Neighbor Award by the Iowa Good Neighbor Award Selection Committee. The Sprouses have a sheep operation. Duane Sprouse earned bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural education in 1972 and 1981. The Good Neighbor Award is a partnership between the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Ag Radio Network. A monthly award plaque is given to an Iowa livestock producer who takes great care of his or her animals and show care and concern about the environment and neighbors.
SOIL SCIENTIST RAY ALLMARAS DIES AT 80
Noted soil scientist and researcher Raymond Richard Allmaras died on Oct. 12. Allmaras, 80, had been undergoing treatment for cancer recently, according to an obituary in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. For more than four decades, Allmaras worked for the Agriculture Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and, in his later years, served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Soil, Water and Climate at the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences. Last year, the Soil Science Society of America honored him with the Soil Science Professional Achievement Award. Allmaras earned a doctorate in agronomy from Iowa State in 1960.
LET US KNOW! THINK OF US WHEN YOU MAKE NEWS
Keep Alumni Ag Online in mind when you have news you'd like to share. We appreciate getting your submissions of news, honors, successes, accomplishments, etc., to include in our Alumni News section. And it might be a way to reconnect with your former classmates. Please send items to: Ed Adcock, edadcock@iastate.edu.
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COLLEGE NEWS
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PROFESSOR AWARDED USDA EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD
Gail Nonnecke, horticulture, has been awarded the annual USDA Food and Agricultural Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award. She is one of only two people to receive the national award, which encompasses all the food and agricultural disciplines. More: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news/2006releases/nonnecke.html
ISU ETHANOL WEB CAST PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE
The Perspectives on Present and Future Corn-Based Ethanol Industry Web cast was presented Monday, Nov. 13, to 63 county extension offices as well as on campus. More than 100 questions were submitted by viewers during the program. Seven Iowa State economists presented information on the impact of Iowa's ethanol industry. The presentations and the archived webcast are available at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ag/ethanol.html
COLLEGE BIORENEWABLES PRESENTATIONS ON THE WEB
More than 100 faculty and staff participated in the College of Agriculture Briefing and Discussion on Biorenewable Resources on Nov. 7. Streamed video from the presentations and discussion, as well as PDFs of the presentations themselves are available at: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/news/brtownmtg.html. At the bottom of the page are forms for faculty and staff to gauge their interests and expertise in various areas of biorenewables research, teaching and extension. Another form is available for those interested in becoming an affiliate with the Office of Biorenewables Programs.
NEW AGRICULTURAL LAW CENTER CREATED AT IOWA STATE
A new Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation has been established at Iowa State. The Board of Regents, State of Iowa, approved the new center at its Nov. 8 meeting in Ames. Learn more: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news/2006releases/aglawcenter.html
IOWA STATE, USDA RESEARCHERS STUDY SOYBEAN'S FAMILY TREE
U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service researchers in Iowa State's agronomy department are sequencing the soybean genome to discover the similarities and differences with its relatives in the legume family. Details: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news/2006releases/sbtree.html
IOWA STATE STUDENT PUTS A FACE ON WORLD HUNGER
Most Americans celebrate the winter holidays with feasting, far removed from the faces of poverty and hunger. Iowa State agronomy sophomore Rachael Cox likewise will find abundant food at her family table; however, she also will bring to the feast memories of life in Uganda and Kenya, where she served as an intern in efforts to combat hunger. Details: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2006/nov/091001.htm
ADVENTURE VIDEO SPOTLIGHTS AGRONOMY RESEARCH TEAM
"Adventure of a Lifetime" is the title of President Geoffroy's fall video message. It is about 5 minutes long and features faculty and student activities and opportunities. Patrick Schnable's research team in agronomy is highlighted in one segment. More: http://www.iastate.edu/~president/video/video.shtml
RURAL SOCIOLOGY GRAD STUDENT ATTENDS SLOW FOOD CONFERENCE
An Iowa State graduate student in rural sociology was one of five delegates from Iowa to participate in a recent conference in Italy where the focus was quality food production. Arion Thiboumery attended the Terra Madre conference Oct. 26-30 in Turin, Italy, which was described as a "world meeting of food communities." The first Terra Madre was held in 2004. Themes for the 2006 event focused on strengthening the network of food communities, cooks and universities, an agriculture that respects the environment, and finding new outlets for small-scale producers. Delegates came from 150 countries and represented 1,600 food communities, 5,000 producers, 1,000 cooks and 400 educators and university representatives. Thiboumery represented Iowa State at the conference. More: http://www.terramadre2006.org
INTERNET AUCTION TO BENEFIT SCHOLARSHIP
The Dairy Science Club's fifth annual internet auction for the Alison Ciancio Memorial Scholarship runs through Friday, Nov. 17. The scholarship is awarded annually to a member of the Dairy Science Club who most exemplifies the selfless and caring qualities of Ciancio. She was killed in 2002 in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. This year, the auction includes art, crafts and collectibles, and historic agricultural books. The auction site is located at: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/auctions/ciancio/
BLOCK & BRIDLE CLUB OFFERS SUMMER SAUSAGE AND CHEESE
The Block & Bridle Club kicks is holding its annual summer sausage and cheese sale. The sale is the largest fund-raising event for the club. The summer sausage is made in the ISU Meat Lab and the cheese comes from one of the best cheese factories in Wisconsin. The deadline for orders is Dec. 15. Order forms are available at: http://www.ans.iastate.edu/clubs/bbclub/?pg=18
LEOPOLD CENTER NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE BY EMAIL
Notes from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture is the name of the center's new emailed newsletter. A PDF version of the newsletter is on the web at: www.leopold.iastate.edu/pubs/notes/NOTES_092906.pdf. You can sign up for the newsletter at: http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/forms/mailing.htm
ISU RESEARCH ON EFFECTS OF ETHANOL EXPANSION
Researchers at Iowa State will evaluate the costs and benefits of ethanol expansion to rural communities in the Upper Mississippi River Basin as part of a $676,722 biofuels research grant. The study is considered the first to attempt a simultaneous assessment of the impacts of corn-based ethanol expansion on crop prices, cropping patterns, water quality and regional economic indicators. Learn more: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news/2006releases/cardgrant.html
ISU TO STUDY IMPACTS OF MORE ENERGY PRODUCTION
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided $275,000 in research funding to the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development to provide estimates of the impact on farmers, consumers and international trade from increased energy production from agriculture. Details: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news/2006releases/cardusda.html
MARTIN HONORED AT NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION
Robert Martin, chair of agricultural education and studies, has been awarded the Honorary American FFA Degree for his service to agricultural education and the FFA. Last month he traveled to Indianapolis to participate in the degree ceremonies at the National FFA Convention. Coincidentally, 40 years ago, Martin earned the American Farmer Degree as a student of agricultural education and an Indiana state FFA vice president.
IOWA STATE PLANT PATHOLOGIST HONORED FOR SOYBEAN RUST WORK
An Iowa State plant pathologist has been recognized for his role in helping the U.S. soybean industry better manage the risk of soybean rust. X.B. Yang is a member of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Asian Soybean Rust Team. Team members were presented a 2006 USDA Secretary's Honor Award during a ceremony Oct. 20, in Washington, D.C. Learn more: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news/2006releases/rustaward.html
NEW DIRECTOR OF CENTER FOR PLANT RESPONSES TO ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSES
W. Allen Miller has been named director of the Center for Plant Responses to Environmental Stresses at Iowa State. The center is part of the Plant Sciences Institute. Miller is a professor of plant pathology and of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology. Learn more: http://www.iastate.edu/~nscentral/news/2006/oct/miller.shtml
IOWA STATE COMPETING FOR BP BIOFUELS RESEARCH LABORATORY
A partnership of the University of California, San Diego, Iowa State University and the J. Craig Venter Institute is competing for BP's $500 million Energy Biosciences Institute. Details: http://www.iastate.edu/~nscentral/news/2006/oct/biofuels.shtml
TWO STUDENTS RECEIVE WORLD FOOD PRIZE AWARDS
Two Iowa State students have been honored with World Food Prize awards for their work as Borlaug-Ruan International Interns in the summer of 2005. Emma Flemmig, a junior from Glidden majoring in genetics and agriculture, and Rachael Cox, a sophomore from Ames majoring in agronomy, received their awards at a ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol building Oct. 19. Learn more: http://www.iastate.edu/~nscentral/news/2006/oct/foodprize.shtml
FAPRI MELTDOWN TAKES PLACE THIS WEEK
The Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) Meltdown began Monday, Nov. 13, and continues all week in a Heady Hall conference room. Iowa State faculty and staff along with colleagues from the University of Missouri, University of Arkansas and Texas Tech University will participate. The meltdown is the annual number-crunching time for FAPRI. Participants run econometric models and determine the assumptions about policy or technological changes that they'll use for the year. The meltdown name refers to the intensity of the meeting as the group is required to develop a preliminary baseline with projections for all the major commodities and countries.
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INFOGRAZING
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FORUM ADDRESSES WATER QUALITY IN THE UPPER MIDWEST
The seventh annual Drainage Research Forum will be held Nov. 28 in Owatonna, Minn. The focus of the event is agricultural and water management issues in the upper Midwest. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Cabela's. More: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2006/nov/070802.htm
START FROM FROZEN AND TREAT TURKEY TO A REST BEFORE CARVING
If you're in charge of cooking the Thanksgiving turkey, you may not have to plan as far ahead as you thought you did, according to ISU Extension food science specialist Sam Beattie. Learn more:
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2006/nov/Thanksgiving%20turkey.htm
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EXTERNAL VOICES
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IOWA IS EPICENTER FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY
"Iowa is becoming the epicenter of renewable energy, powering American and local communities," said Denny Harding, business services administrator for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, at a recent conference on renewable energy. "Farmers are in the energy business. They provide feed, fuel and fiber for the world to survive. Renewable energy is just another step toward helping us become independent." (High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal, Oct. 25, http://www.hpj.com/archives/2006/oct06/oct30/Iowaisepicenterforrenewable.cfm)
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MARGINALIA
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IMPRESSIVE SWEET POTATO GROWN AT RESEARCH FARM
A 6.2-pound sweet potato about the size of a football was harvested this fall at the ISU Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm near Nashua. Ken Pecinovsky, farm superintendent, said the potato was grown in the farm's home demonstration garden to help illustrate the theme of growing produce to match the food guide pyramid. Cindy Haynes, horticulture, who coordinates the demonstration garden plans said sweet potatoes are “notorious for growing quite large.” That was one of the larger ones she has seen. But it's nowhere near a record, Pecinovsky added. That went to a 44-pounder grown in Florida.
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